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Nutrients and Bacterial Waste

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

MU Guide
PUBLISHED BY MU EXTENSION, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/

Anaerobic Lagoons for Storage/Treatment


of Livestock Manure
Donald L. Pfost and Charles D. Fulhage, Department of Agricultural Engineering,
David Rastorfer, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Many livestock producers with confinement oper- Advantages of anaerobic lagoons:


ations handle their animal waste as a liquid because of • Manure can be handled hydraulically with flushing
the laborsaving advantages. Anaerobic lagoons are an systems, sewer lines, pumps and irrigation systems.
integral part of many liquid-handling systems. Lagoons • The high degree of stabilization reduces odors
are pondlike earthen basins sized to provide biological during land application.
treatment and long-term storage of animal waste. A live- • High nitrogen (N) reduction minimizes the land
stock lagoon is a small-scale waste treatment plant area required to make use of the effluent.
containing manure that is usually diluted with building • Long-term storage is provided at low cost.
wash water, water wasted at animal waterers, and rain-
fall. In a lagoon, the manure becomes partially liquefied Disadvantages of anaerobic lagoons:
and stabilized by bacterial action before eventual land • Public perception may be that a lagoon is an “open
application. Lagoons may contain one of three types of container of manure.”
waste-stabilizing bacteria — anaerobic (inhibited by • Undesirable odors may be produced during
oxygen), aerobic (requiring oxygen) or facultative seasonal (spring and fall) changes due to “turnover”
(maintained with or without oxygen). Lagoons are and spring start-up after the winter period of rela-
larger than manure storage basins, which do not provide tively little biological activity. Initial start-up in late
significant biological treatment and, frequently, are spring or early summer is preferred.
designed for shorter storage periods. On the other hand, • Undesirable odors may drift off premises during
anaerobic lagoons are considerably smaller than aerobic atmospheric temperature inversions.
lagoons, which are designed to provide a higher degree • Undesirable odors may be present during land
of treatment with less odor production. Anaerobic application by spray irrigation.
lagoons also decompose more organic matter per unit • Nutrient availability is limited if manure is used as
volume than aerobic ones. Due to the tremendous area a fertilizer (due to denitrification of N in the lagoon
required for aerobic lagoons to treat livestock waste, and most phosphorous (P) settles to the bottom).
almost all livestock lagoons are anaerobic. • Potential cost of removing built-up solids if the
Anaerobic lagoons are a useful size and cost lagoon is to be closed down and solids have been
compromise between storage basins and aerobic allowed to accumulate for several years without
lagoons. This guide will discuss anaerobic lagoon agitation during the annual pump-down. Also, the
designs approved by the Missouri Department of land area required to dispose of accumulated N and
Natural Resources (MDNR) for livestock manure stor- especially P may not be available nearby.
age and treatment.
Anaerobic processes, which occur without free Location requirements
oxygen, liquefy or degrade organic wastes with high Ideally, lagoons should be located lower than the
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Well-designed and waste source so that liquids can drain by gravity to the
well-managed lagoons have a musty odor. Foul odors lagoon and manure can be flushed to the lagoon by
may indicate a malfunction. Even properly functioning gravity. If wastes are scraped into the lagoon, proximity
lagoons may cause nuisance odors because of their size to the source is especially important. If wastes are
or location or because of topography, weather condi- drained or flushed to the lagoon, proximity for econom-
tions, distance to other lagoons and separation distance ical operation is not as crucial.
from residences. Do not use anaerobic lagoons where Since June 30, 1996, MDNR requires new water
odors may be a nuisance. wells to be at least 300 feet from a livestock manure

$1.00 EQ 387 Printed with soy ink on recycled paper


lagoon. For wells constructed between November 1, are a subjective sensation, and the intensity may depend
1987, and June 30, 1996, MDNR rules recommend 300 on the size of the lagoon, distance from the lagoon,
feet separation from a well to a lagoon and require a topography, and wind as well as other weather condi-
minimum of 100 feet. If a permit or letter of approval is tions. Most livestock-related odors are heavier than air
sought from MDNR for an operation where a lagoon and will travel down valleys and other low areas for
existed within 100 to 300 feet from a water supply before great distances without being diluted, especially during
November 1, 1987, a favorable report must be obtained atmospheric temperature inversions, which occur most
from the Missouri Division of Geology and Land often during the evening and early morning hours when
Survey. (A geologic report should be made for all neighbors are likely to be outdoors.
lagoons regardless of proximity to wells.) Special See MU publication G1884, Odors from Livestock
circumstances may dictate separation distances greater Operations: Causes and Possible Cures, for further discus-
than the requirement; these circumstances are evaluated sion of odors from livestock operations. See MU publi-
on a case-by-case basis. cation EQ378, Selecting a Site for Livestock and Poultry
Location of lagoons with respect to “non-owned Operations, for more details on location of livestock and
residences” (residences not owned by the animal feed- poultry facilities. In some situations, especially in south
ing operation) and public buildings is an important Missouri, location may be dictated by soil and geological
consideration. Minimum distances of 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 mile from considerations, in addition to other factors, such as
property lines and non-owned residences have been odors. Also, check for possible county ordinances
suggested. For Class I concentrated animal feeding concerning animal feeding operations.
operations (CAFOs), the separation or buffer distances
required by legislation of the 1996 Missouri General Soil investigations
Assembly are shown in Table 1. The distances depend To construct a lagoon economically (without soil
on the operation size (number of animal units) and are amendments, artificial liners or additional “hauled-in”
measured from the lagoon or the manure storage or clay soil), a suitable on-site clay soil is required. The ideal
confinement building to the nearest public building or soil would have at least 30 percent fines content.
occupied residence not owned by the animal production Southwest Missouri block-structured red clay may not
operation. Also check for county ordinances concerning seal a lagoon, and a soil amendment, such as bentonite
CAFOs. or soda ash, may be required to provide an acceptable
seal. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Table 1. Separation or buffer distance required for various sizes County Soil Surveys are a source of information during
of animal feeding operations. the preliminary screening for suitable sites. A soils
investigation at a proposed lagoon site, done with a
DNR Size Separation/buffer distance
Classification (animal units*) (feet) backhoe excavation or soil borings, is standard proce-
dure in verifying a suitable location. For a cost-shared
IC 1,000 to 2,999 1,000
lagoon, a soils investigation performed by NRCS
IB 3,000 to 6,999 2,000
IA 7,000 or more 3,000 personnel or a soils consultant is required.
*1 animal unit = 1.0 beef feeder or slaughter animal, 0.7 dairy
cow, 2.5 swine weighing over 55 pounds, 15 swine weighing less
Geological requirements
than 55 pounds, 10 sheep, 30 laying hens, 55 turkeys, 100 broiler A geological report on the proposed lagoon site
chickens or 0.5 horse. from MDNR’s Division of Geology and Land Survey is
required. If the site is in an area with karst terrain and
is rated as having a severe collapse potential, an earthen
Exceptions to the above buffer/separation distance lagoon will not be approved.
requirements are as follows. Sites having severe geological limitations but a
• CAFOs in existence at the time the rule went into moderate or slight collapse rating may be reviewed on
effect are exempted. The rule applies to new and a case by case basis. Lagoons with artificial liners may
expanded CAFOs. be allowed at these sites. For sites having moderate
• The buffer/separation distance requirement may be geological limitations, a detailed soils investigation is
waived pending written agreement from property required to determine the quantity and quality of the
owners within the buffer/separation distance. liner materials, the depth to bedrock and the depth to
• MDNR may make site-specific exceptions. Such the seasonal high water table.
proposed exceptions must be presented to the If the site evaluation indicates slight geological limi-
county governing body and may be overruled. tations, the above requirements may be waived. DNR
may require density tests (permeability) be taken on the
Maintaining minimum buffer distances is no guar- finished liner before approval for operation. Barrel tests
antee of avoiding odor complaints from neighbors, even are required for Class IA operations; tests for other size
if lagoons are properly designed and operated. Odors classes are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Page 2 EQ 387
Additional soils specifications for lagoon liners are nents affected by rainfall (runoff volume and rain-
available in MDNR’s publication 10 CSR 20-8.020, fall-evaporation volume) must be based on the
Design of Small Sewage Works. wettest year in 10 years for MDNR approval.
4. Net rainfall/evaporation on the lagoon surface and
Anaerobic lagoon design — Size berm runoff. This fraction provides storage for the
Anaerobic lagoons are sized by volume. Proper net gain of rainfall minus lagoon surface evapora-
design or sizing of a lagoon ensures that sufficient tion plus berm area runoff (inside the centerline).
volume is available for treatment and the required stor- This volume is removed when the lagoon is
age period. The recommended storage period, before the pumped. For the wettest year out of 10 years, the
lagoon must be pumped down, is 365 days. The total rainfall minus evaporation varies from about 1 foot
volume of a lagoon consists of several volume fractions: per year in northwest Missouri to 3 feet per year in
southeast Missouri.
1. Minimum design or permanent volume. This frac- Similarly, dirt lot and berm runoff varies from
tion provides sufficient dilution volume for the about 2 feet per year in northwest Missouri to 3 feet
degradation of volatile solids by bacteria. This per year in southeast Missouri.
volume is not removed from the lagoon during 5. Sludge storage. Some fraction of the manure solids
pump-down operations. The design volume may be entering a lagoon remains as bottom sludge.
reduced by up to 50 percent if a settling basin or Although the sludge buildup rate has not been
solids separator is used to remove the solids. defined, most standards suggest a volume
2. Manure storage volume. This fraction provides allowance for sludge accumulation if sludge
storage for the manure volume the lagoon will removal is not accomplished during lagoon pump-
receive; it is removed when the lagoon is pumped. ing. Agitation during pumping is highly recom-
Storage periods usually range from 6 to 12 months, mended to reduce the sludge buildup.
with longer storage periods offering greater flexibil- Current MDNR guidelines do not require that
ity in scheduling pumping operations. volume be provided for sludge storage; however,
3. Runoff volume and other sources. This fraction such a provision may be advisable.
provides storage for runoff plus any wash water or 6. Freeboard. Freeboard in the range of 1 to 3 feet
other fresh water used for cleaning buildings or lot above full pool level is recommended.
areas. This volume also is removed from the lagoon
during pumping operations. Figure 1 shows the volumes considered in lagoon
Runoff from open concrete areas ranges from design throughout Missouri. Surface area will vary with
about 3 feet/year in northwest Missouri to 4.5 depth.
feet/year in southeast Missouri. It is important to Table 2 shows typical lagoon sizes for various
reduce the area draining directly into the lagoon to species of animals.These values are for reference only
prevent unnecessary pumping. Surface water, and should not be used in lieu of a specific design. For
unless needed for filling or dilution, should be more details on lagoon design, refer to Midwest Plan
diverted away from the lagoon. Volume compo- Service publication MWPS-18 or ASAE Engineering
Practice: ASAE EP403.3.

Figure 1. Schematic of volume fractions in lagoon design.

EQ 387 Page 3
Table 2. Typical sizes of livestock and poultry lagoons in Missouri (365-day storage).

Number, Total Average annual


size and species lagoon volume Cut volume1 Waterline pump-down volume Soil-plant filter
of animals (cubic feet) (cubic yards) (feet x feet) (acre inches2) (acres)*
1,000 150-lb
finishing hogs 288,552 6,166 128.5 x 128.5 25.28 30
100 sows & litters @ 450 lb
in farrowing houses 132,562 3,091 135 x 135 13.10 9
600 sows @ 400 lb in
gestation barns 252,632 5,486 172 x 172 22.04 48
100 1,400-lb dairy cows
in free-stall barn 493,596 9,964 224 x 224 33.75 21
120 1,000-lb beef
feeder animals3 348,097 7,342 293 x 293 36.14 12
100,000 layers @ 3 lb 935,049 17,953 297.0 x 297.0 44.29 105
100,000 broilers @ 2 lb 1,209,963 22,721 328 x 328 45.30 112
1 Cut volume for 15 ft lagoon depth, cut/fill ratio about 1.20
2 One acre-inch = 27,154 gallons
3 Collecting runoff from open concrete lots, assumes 200 sq ft /head and no solids separation.
* Acres required with the conservative approach, i.e., 100 pounds of N applied per acre per year.

Lagoon design — Geometry included in most guidelines for accepted construction


Circular or square lagoons facilitate mixing and are techniques and methods for lagoons:
usually more economical to construct. Rectangular 1. Site preparation. All trees, grass and organic matter
lagoons may be used, but length-to-width ratios of 3:1 should be removed from the site. Topsoil should be
or less are recommended. Avoid narrow appendages stockpiled adjacent to the construction site for later
isolated from the main body of water; they contribute placement on the top and exposed slopes for estab-
little volume and may be a source of nuisance lishing grass cover. After the foundation area is
conditions. stripped, it should be prepared to bond with the fill
Minimum depth should be 8 feet, although 8- to 20- by removing loose, dry material; scarifying; disking;
foot depths are typical depending on animal numbers, adjusting moisture; and compacting as necessary.
runoff area, slope and underground geology. Deeper 2. Cutoff trench. A cutoff trench may be required to
lagoons offer these advantages: remove sand, gravel or other water-conducting
• A smaller surface area requiring less land. materials to prevent leakage under the embank-
• More thorough mixing of lagoon contents by rising ment.
gas bubbles. 3. Excavation. Rocks, sand lenses, gravel and other
• Minimum odors. materials not suitable for sealing should be removed
• Less ammonia loss to the atmosphere. from the impoundment. Excavation should be suffi-
• Efficient use for mechanical aeration. cient to construct a seal in addition to obtaining
proper lagoon volume.
Earthen dike and bank slopes usually range from 2:1 4. Embankments. Lagoon embankments should be
to 3:1. A slope of 3:1 or less is recommended for the constructed to allow for settling (usually 5 percent
establishment of vegetative cover and for safe mowing. extra), mowing and erosion prevention. Suitable
A minimum 10-foot top width is recommended; excavated materials free of sod, roots, frozen soil,
however, greater widths may be desirable for operation stones more than 6 inches in diameter or other objec-
of tractors with agitators. tionable material should be used for fill. The mini-
An emergency spillway should be provided at a mum moisture content of the fill material and foun-
minimum of one foot below the top of the berm after dation should form a ball when kneaded by hand
allowance is made for settlement. It should be located that will not easily separate. Experience has shown
as close to natural ground as possible. The spillway is that with suitable soil material, three passes of a
intended for dam protection only in the case of extreme sheepsfoot roller (Figure 2) per 6-inch fill lift on the
flooding and is not to be used as a spillway in lieu of embankment or bottom seal will provide adequate
pumping down the lagoon. compaction for sealing.
5. Seal construction. Lagoons must have a seal on the
Construction techniques — Sealing bottom and sides sufficiently impermeable to
Proper lagoon construction will ensure groundwa- protect groundwater. Seal construction guidelines
ter resources are protected and the lagoon will perform generally call for over-excavation and recompaction
as required during its useful life. The following steps are

Page 4 EQ 387
Submerged inlets carrying trickling flows with rela-
tively high solids content are susceptible to plugging as
solids accumulate or “float” where the lagoon water
backs up into the pipe. Frequent flushing (at least once
a day) eliminates this problem. Sewer lines with
submerged discharges, carrying trickle flows into
lagoons, should have a minimum of one foot of head
above the maximum lagoon level for each 100 feet of
run. All sewer lines should be designed with cleanouts
at 50-foot intervals.

Solids exclusion — Sludge removal


— Agitation
Figure 2. A sheepsfoot roller is commonly used to compact the
clay seal during construction of a lagoon. Bedding and fibrous material will break down very
slowly, or not at all, in a lagoon. It is recommended this
of seal material in lifts not exceeding 6 inches
material be excluded from the lagoon if at all possible.
compacted depth (not more than 9 inches deep
Nondegradable material leads to excessive sludge
before compaction).
buildup or the formation of crusts on the lagoon surface,
The lower 6 inches of the bottom seal may be
both of which interfere with pumping operations.
scarified and compacted in place to eliminate
Agitation during annual pump-down (Figure 3)
removal and replacement. The seal material should
should be considered as a means of reducing sludge
be within two percent below and four percent above
buildup. Sludge removal may be justified if sludge
the optimum moisture content for compaction. In
levels build to a significant percentage of total lagoon
general, a minimum of a 1-foot-thick clay seal must
volume. Although a somewhat difficult and expensive
be provided on the bottom and sides of a lagoon.
operation, regular sludge removal can extend the life of
The deeper the lagoon, the thicker the required seal,
a lagoon virtually indefinitely. Sludge is high in P and
up to 4.6 feet thick for a water depth of 25 feet.
N; therefore a large area of land will be required for
A given permeability or leach rate, such as 1 x 10-7 applying several years’ accumulation of sludge.
cm/sec, is a typical seal construction specification. Soil
amendments such as bentonite, soda ash or artificial
liners may be required to obtain a proper seal. The
lagoon seal should be covered with water immediately
after construction to prevent drying and cracking (at
least two feet above the highest bottom elevation).

Lagoon inlets
Inlets should be located near the center of the
longest side of the lagoon, if possible, or at several loca-
tions in large lagoons. This allows the solids to be
distributed and not allowed to accumulate near the
edge. One discharge point per acre will avoid large Figure 3. A propeller-type agitator can be used to resuspend
concentrations of solids at one point and help minimize settled solids (sludge) from the bottom of a lagoon during pump-
down.
odors during spring warm-up. Multiple inlets should be
fed equally from a distribution box.
If manure will enter the lagoon through a pipe or Start-up — Management
sewer line, the line should enter the lagoon below the Proper lagoon design and construction are fruitless
minimum pump-down level, or above the full pool if the lagoon is not properly managed. Many problems
level. This prevents ice from breaking the inlet pipe. The associated with lagoons can be solved with proper
pipe should extend into the lagoon and have a mini- management.
mum of 3 feet of liquid underneath it. Lagoons should be filled with water to one-third to
Inlets above the liquid surface are susceptible to one-half of the design volume before manure is
freezing at the end if small dribbling flows are present. introduced into the lagoon. This will ensure sufficient
Also, cold air can move up the sewer line into the build- dilution is available for the establishment of bacterial
ing if a trap is not provided. Pipe inlets below the mini- activity. This will also minimize start-up odors. Starting
mum pump-down level are generally preferred. Inlet a lagoon in the late spring or early summer months will
pipes must be rigidly supported. establish a bacterial population before cold weather and

EQ 387 Page 5
will help prevent excessive odors the following spring. must be made of durable materials and properly
Lagoons perform best when they are loaded contin- installed to afford the long life needed. The operator or
uously. Therefore, a waste management system should inspector should be able to ascertain the following infor-
be devised that loads the lagoon at least weekly, and mation when observing a pump-down marker.
preferably daily. Flushing systems provide ideal loading 1. When pumping operations should begin.
conditions for lagoons. Slug loading may produce odors. 2. When pumping operations should end.
Pumping and irrigating from the lagoon is the 3. Level at which overflow will occur.
single most important management item. In addition to 4. Fraction of total storage that is currently filled.
preventing overflow and the associated pollution poten-
tial, pumping removes dissolved and suspended solids A common practice is to install steel fence posts at
and allows room for the addition of dilution water the upper and lower pump-down levels for earthen
through rainfall or other means. Try to irrigate when impoundments. While this approach provides basic
odors are apt to be least offensive, that is, on days with information on beginning and ending pump-down,
low humidity or when breezes are blowing away from experience has shown that more knowledge is needed.
neighboring residences. Also, fence posts installed in this manner are subject to
If lagoons are not pumped and diluted, salt concen- damage and displacement. A good pump-down marker
trations may increase to levels that can inhibit bacterial will indicate the level, or elevation, of manure through-
activity. Salt levels in mature lagoons should be moni- out the possible range (from lower pump-down level to
tored yearly to ensure they remain at safe levels. overflow, or spillway) in the lagoon. Experience has
Electrical conductivity (EC) is a convenient field shown that a 6" x 6" treated wood post properly imbed-
measurement that indicates salt content. EC levels above ded makes a good pump-down marker. Notches or
10,000 micro mhos/cm indicate probable decreased other indicators can be carved into the post to show
bacterial activity, a buildup of solids, and increased odor. pertinent elevations. Painted numbers or colors on the
If odors are a problem, take lagoon samples post are not durable enough to maintain readability over
frequently to measure pH. If pH is below 6.7, add a number of years. Figure 4 shows a type of marker
hydrated lime or caustic soda (lye) @ 1 lb/1,000 ft2 of designed to meet the above criteria.
lagoon surface each day until the pH is neutral (pH = Permanent markers should be installed to show the
7). Even with a normal pH of 6.7 to 7.2, the lagoon can level at which pumping the lagoon should begin (1 foot
have excess odorous volatile acids. or more below full pool level) and the level at which
Pumping operations should begin before or when pumping should stop. Intermediate markings, such as
the lagoon level reaches the upper pump-down mark to at each foot, are desirable to better estimate the volume
ensure space (safety volume) is always available to hold of effluent in the lagoon. A depth gage with markings
the 25-year, 24-hour storm (about 6 inches in Missouri). every foot or less from the design level to the full pool
The MDNR guidelines call for pumping the lagoon
when the liquid level reaches the upper pump-down
Volume of 25-year,
mark. The volume between the upper pump-down 24-hour storm (typical)
mark and the spillway is the volume of the 25-year, 24- Ring notch at elevation
of spillway or overflow Spillway or
hour storm. This volume is called the safety volume. overflow
If the open-lot surface area contributing to the Upper
pump-down
lagoon inflow is greater than 70 percent of the lagoon level
area, the safety volume depth is computed using the
following formula:
80% of normal
6"x6" storage volume
Safety square foot lot surface x 0.5 feet treated
volume = 0.67 feet + ____________________________ wood post 60%
depth square foot lagoon surface area
40%
2" deep
notches
Pump-down or manure level markers typical
20%
Pump-down or manure level markers, or indicators,
are a simple but important component of a manure stor-
age facility. Such a marker enables the operator to ascer- End
tain quickly and easily the degree of fill of the lagoon, pump-down
level
the point at which pumping or emptying should begin,
and the point at which it should end. The presence of a
Set post at least 4' deep
durable, easily read marker gives inspection or regula-
tory personnel confidence that a lagoon is being
managed properly.
Experience has shown that pump-down markers Figure 4. Pump-down marker in an anaerobic lagoon.

Page 6 EQ 387
level can be an aid in determining the acre-inches to be dictated by the amount of P and K in the sludge rather
pumped down each time. than by the nitrogen content of the sludge. To obtain the
required land application area often requires hauling the
Pump-down and land application sludge a considerable distance and, possibly, obtaining
Preparation for lagoon pump-down should start a spreading agreement from another landowner to meet
before the lagoon level reaches the upper pump-down MDNR requirements for land application rate.
marker to leave the proper safety volume to contain a Sludge removal without allowing several months
25 year, 24 hour rainfall event. Agitation before and for the sludge to dry following removal of the liquid
during pump-down is recommended to remove settled effluent is usually an extremely expensive procedure
solids and achieve maximum nutrient recovery. If the (such as dredging) and on large lagoons with many
lagoon is to be agitated, a sample for nutrient testing years accumulation, may cost several hundred thousand
should be taken after agitation. See MU publication dollars. One university estimates sludge removal costs
EQ215, Laboratory Analysis of Manure, for details on at $0.005 to $0.05 per gallon.
sampling and tests. An alternative to a one-time removal procedure
Land application is the most desirable method for may be to continue to operate the lagoon with annual
making use of the nutrients and organic matter in applications to the available acreage based on a nutrient
lagoon effluent. Sprinkler irrigation or use of a towed- management plan and periodically adding water and
hose tractor-mounted applicator are the current practi- using agitation and pumping to gradually remove the
cal methods of transporting and applying large volumes solids.
of lagoon effluent.
Under the Unified National Strategy for Animal Recycling lagoon effluent for flushing
Feeding Operations, the desired outcome is for all Intakes for recycle pumps are frequently floated
concentrated animal feeding operations to develop and about two feet below the surface to minimize disturbing
implement a comprehensive nutrient management plan the surface crust or pumping sludge. The pump intake
(CNMP). CNMPs should address, as necessary, feed should be located remote from the waste inlet. A wet
management, manure handling and storage, a nutrient well should be considered as a convenience for instal-
management plant for land application of manure, land ling and servicing the recycle pump. For information on
management, record keeping, and other options for recycling systems, refer to MU publication G1158,
making use of the nutrients in manure. In addition to Recycling Lagoon Water for Manure Flushing Systems.
considering nutrients, the plan should address other Some operators choose to recycle effluent from the
pollutants, such as pathogens, to minimize effects of second stage of a two-stage lagoon system in an effort
animal feeding operations on water quality and public to reduce the level of odors and pathogenic organisms
health. in the buildings, and, possibly, to reduce crystallization
At a minimum, the nutrient management plan problems in the recycle lines. Pumping from the second
should prevent the application of nutrients at rates that stage may reduce plugging problems during irrigation
will exceed the capacity of the soil and planned crop from dairy and beef lagoons. The second-stage lagoon
needs and also prevent pollution. Soils, crop removal may be added to increase lagoon capacity when an
and manure should be tested to determine nutrient expansion in herd numbers occurs. A lagoon system
needs and content. Manure application equipment with two or more stages may create a dilemma in recy-
should be calibrated to ensure that the quantity of mate- cling the nutrients that accumulate in the first stage.
rial being applied is what is planned. Records of crops A 6- or 8-inch overflow pipe transports the solids-
removed annually and the total amount of effluent free wastewater from the first to the second stage in a
applied should be kept to maintain the desired nutrient two-stage lagoon. It should be located as far as possible
balance. Electronic totalizing flow-rate meters in the from the inlet(s) to the first stage so that no untreated
lagoon pumping system are frequently used by custom waste enters the second stage. The inlet of the overflow
applicators to calibrate the equipment and record the pipe should be submerged a foot or more below the
amount applied per acre. These meters are also a compo- surface of the liquid to prevent any floating solids from
nent in variable rate application. reaching the second-stage lagoon or clogging the inlet
(see Figure 5).
Closure of a lagoon
A nutrient management plan is required by MDNR Safety and appearance
for closure of permitted facilities. Sludge removal for Efforts should be made to make a lagoon as pleasing
closure of a lagoon when a livestock operation is termi- as possible. Berms and embankments should have a
nated will, under ordinary circumstances, require a good grass cover for appearance and erosion control and
much greater land application area than has been should be mowed and maintained regularly.
required for regular pump-downs during the normal Such practices help ensure access to lagoon areas and
operation of the lagoon. The land area required may be improve appearance. If a lagoon is within public view, a

EQ 387 Page 7
Berm Emergency Emergency
12" 12"
Constant 12" spillway 12" spillway
elevation

Start
Dilution volume Pumping

Inlet Overflow Waste storage volume


Stop
Minimum design volume Minimum design volume Pumping

First Stage Second Stage


Figure 5. A two-stage anaerobic lagoon designed for the treatment of livestock manure.

row of trees will help hide the view and may deflect winds A fence should be provided to prevent access by
(and odors) upward from the lagoon. A well-maintained children, trespassers and livestock. Post warning signs
lagoon is less likely to attract attention and cause contro- (SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITY — KEEP OUT) and
versy than a lagoon with an offensive appearance. keep the gate locked.

For further information


Agricultural Waste Management Field Handbook. Part 651, National Engineering Handbook.
Washington, D.C.: Natural Resources Conservation Department, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1992.
ASAE Engineering Practice: ASAE EP379.2 (November 1997). Control of Manure Odors.
ASAE Standards, 2000. St. Joseph, Michigan.
ASAE Engineering Practice: ASAE EP393.3 (December 1998). Manure Storages. ASAE
Standards, 2000. ASAE, St. Joseph, Michigan.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Missouri Specifications, USDA/NRCS,
Columbia, Mo. 65201.
Rules of the Department of Natural Resources, Division 20 — Design of Small Sewage
Works. Chapter 8, Design Guidelines, 10 CSR 20-8.020. 1989. Clean Water Commission,
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
USDA-EPA, Unified National Strategy for Animal Feeding Operations. March 9, 1999.
Available from Extension Publications 1-800-292-0969
MU publications
G 1884, Odors from Livestock Operations: Causes and Possible Cures
G 9181, Agricultural Phosphorus and Water Quality
G 9182, Managing Manure Phosphorus to Protect Water Quality
EQ 201, Reduce Environmental Problems with Proper Land Application of Animal Wastes
EQ 202, Land Application Considerations for Animal Wastes
EQ 215, Laboratory Analysis of Manure
WQ 324, Solids Removal from Livestock Manure Lagoons
WQ 327, Irrigating Lagoon Effluent
EQ 378, Selecting a Site for Livestock and Poultry Operations
Midwest Plan Service Publications
MWPS-18, Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook

Published with partial support from the Missouri Department of Natural


Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII. To learn
more about water quality and other natural resource issues, contact the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO
65102. Toll free 1-800-334-6946.

■ Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of
OUTREACH & EXTENSION Agriculture. Ronald J. Turner, Director, Cooperative Extension, University of Missouri and Lincoln University, Columbia, MO 65211. ■ University
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI Outreach and Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam
COLUMBIA era veteran in employment or programs. ■ If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need this publication
in an alternative format, write ADA Officer, Extension and Agricultural Information, 1-98 Agriculture Building, Columbia, MO 65211, or call
(573) 882-7216. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.

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